Then the other three, seeking diversity, sauntered into view.

Kathlyn quickened with life and hope.
The seven leopards were at least half a dozen yards away.

It was but a step to the vines sprawling over the wall.
To think that all depended upon the handle of the palanquin door! If it opened without noise there was a chance.

If it creaked she was lost; for she would fall into the hands of the keepers if not under the merciless paws of the cats.
But the longer she hesitated the less time she would have.

Bravely, then, she tried her hand upon the door handle and slowly but firmly turned it.